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PIECEWISE D AND R

This document provides a step-by-step guide on finding the domain and range of piecewise functions, which are defined by multiple subfunctions. It outlines the process of identifying subfunctions, determining their individual domains and ranges, and then combining these to find the overall domain and range of the piecewise function. Key examples illustrate how to apply these steps effectively.

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2 views

PIECEWISE D AND R

This document provides a step-by-step guide on finding the domain and range of piecewise functions, which are defined by multiple subfunctions. It outlines the process of identifying subfunctions, determining their individual domains and ranges, and then combining these to find the overall domain and range of the piecewise function. Key examples illustrate how to apply these steps effectively.

Uploaded by

winter reantaso
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Finding the Domain and Range of Piecewise Functions: A Step-by-Step Guide

Understanding Piecewise Functions

A piecewise function is a function defined by multiple subfunctions, each with its own domain.
These subfunctions are combined to form a single function.

Example:

f(x) = { x^2, x < 0​


2x + 1, x ≥ 0}​

In this example, the function is defined as x^2 when x is less than 0 and as 2x + 1 when x is
greater than or equal to 0.

Finding the Domain


The domain of a function is the set of all possible input values (x-values) for which the function
is defined.

Steps:

1.​ Identify Subfunctions: Determine the different sub functions that make up the piecewise
function.
2.​ Determine Individual Domains: Find the domain of each sub function separately.
3.​ Combine Domains: The domain of the piecewise function is the union of the domains of all
its subfunctions.

Example:

●​ For the function f(x) above:


○​ The domain of x^2 is all real numbers less than 0.
○​ The domain of 2x + 1 is all real numbers greater than or equal to 0.
○​ The domain of f(x) is the union of these two domains: all real numbers.
Finding the Range
The range of a function is the set of all possible output values (y-values) that the function can
produce.

Steps:

1.​ Evaluate Subfunctions: For each sub function, determine its range by analyzing its
behavior over its domain.
2.​ Combine Ranges: The range of the piecewise function is the union of the ranges of all its
subfunctions.

Example:

●​ For the function f(x) above:


○​ The range of x^2 is all non-negative real numbers (because the square of any real number
is always non-negative).
○​ The range of 2x + 1 is all real numbers greater than or equal to 1 (because the linear
function 2x + 1 has a slope of 2 and y-intercept of 1).
○​ The range of f(x) is the union of these two ranges: all real numbers greater than or equal
to 0.

Key Points:

●​ The domain of a piecewise function is the set of all possible input values.
●​ The range of a piecewise function is the set of all possible output values.
●​ To find the domain and range, analyze each subfunction separately and then combine their
domains and ranges.

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